I watched the unexpected harmonicas link and initially thought "what in the freakin' hell is he doing to that harmonica?!" But after a rather strange, dissonant start, it turned fun, quirky and even (unexpectedly) melodic.

Then I watched the Brooklyn Bridge Song video. It's wonderful. I've lived in New York for most of my adult life, and when I was younger did quite a bit of late night wandering, on my own around Manhattan. Shirey's soft, gentle duet and lyrics really capture a feeling I've had but have never been able to put into words. They're quite a contrast to "I Live In New York City" too.

Neat stuff. Love his energy. Thanks so much for introducing me to such a talented musician.posted by zarq at 7:35 PM on June 13, 2010

Sxip is a buddy and an all-around fantastic human being. He does this bit with a tampon applicator that is kind of unbelievable. He tours a lot. Definitely worth seeing.posted by milquetoast at 7:42 PM on June 13, 2010

I only know the song he did with Jason Webley but it is fantastic : Days With You
(haven't had a look through all the links above yet so sorry if you posted that already!)posted by mannequito at 7:54 PM on June 13, 2010

Ahhhh, I just saw him live with Evelyn Evelyn. SUCH a captivating performer.posted by cozenedindigo at 8:26 PM on June 13, 2010

That first harmonica link just blew my mind. I'm on my third listen. Dang.posted by komara at 8:50 PM on June 13, 2010 [1 favorite]

One of my favorite late-night music jams ever was with Sxip and the Luminescent Orchestrii, a flamenco band, and bluegrass fiddlers who wandered in from off the street. He's a phenomenal guy; nice to see him getting recognition.posted by Benjamin Nushmutt at 8:54 PM on June 13, 2010

the shadow land links with rachelle garniez (antique kitchen utensils) are pure musical creativity - very inspiringposted by pyramid termite at 9:44 PM on June 13, 2010

He does this bit with a tampon applicator that is kind of unbelievable.

Indeed. I saw him several times in Austin, and his mastery of the, uh, instrument in question is mind-blowing. IIRC, he took up the applicator when he was unable to play the flute due to a repetitive stress injury (please correct me if I'm wrong, I frequently am.) He's an inventive and charming performer and, as others have stated above, a top-notch individual.

He was fantastic as a performer, and as the emcee of the Evelyn Evelyn show. I only wish he'd had more time to perform solo than was possible. If anyone gets a chance to see him live - go!posted by Meep! Eek! at 7:33 AM on June 14, 2010

After watching just the marbles and the unexpected harmonica, two effects are evident:
1. I'm intrigued and want more.
2. My cat, meanwhile, is losing her freaking mind.posted by unregistered_animagus at 8:24 AM on June 14, 2010

I've seen him perform live a couple of times, love his stuff. I've also randomly chatted with him after one of his shows- really nice guy, really down to earth. For those who can, go to his shows, he's worth seeing.posted by Hactar at 11:39 AM on June 14, 2010

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